President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emerged as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections after defeating his sole challenger, Stanley Osifo, in the party’s nationwide direct primary election.
Tinubu secured 10,999,162 votes, while Osifo polled 16,504 votes in the exercise conducted across 8,809 wards in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory on May 23.
The results were collated at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja by the Sen. Pius Anyim-led Presidential Primary Election Collation Committee, with APC governors and top party officials presenting results from their respective states.
Tinubu dominated the contest across the country, recording 100 per cent votes in many states. Osifo, however, recorded notable votes in states including Niger, Kano, Lagos, Abia, Oyo, Benue and Nasarawa.
Speaking after accepting the party’s presidential ticket on Sunday in Abuja, Tinubu described the moment as another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey and pledged to deepen ongoing reforms and national development efforts.
“Today, we celebrate another proud moment in our democratic journey, a history not defined by any individual, but by our collective resolve,” the president said.
Recalling his emergence as APC candidate in 2022 and eventual victory at the presidential election, Tinubu said he remained humbled by the continued support and confidence of party members and Nigerians.
“I accept, with humility and profound gratitude, the nomination of our great party, the APC, to stand again as its Presidential candidate,” he stated.
Tinubu said the task ahead was to sustain continuity, consolidate reforms and strengthen the foundation of a modern Nigeria.
He thanked APC leaders, governors, lawmakers, members of the National Working Committee and party faithful for sustaining the unity and strength of the ruling party.
The president also appreciated Nigerians for supporting what he described as the “difficult but necessary path of reform” undertaken by his administration.
Highlighting achievements of his government, Tinubu said major structural reforms had been implemented to strengthen public finances, improve revenue generation and stabilise the economy through tax and fiscal policies.
On education, he said the administration established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, disclosing that more than N282 billion had been disbursed to over 1.5 million beneficiaries under the student loan scheme.
Tinubu also highlighted reforms in the power sector, including the supply of 2.5 million electricity meters and the establishment of a N4 trillion bond programme to settle legacy debts owed to electricity generation and gas companies.
According to him, power generation under his administration had at times peaked at 6,000 megawatts, representing about a 50 per cent increase from inherited levels.
The president further defended the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates, saying the reforms were necessary to strengthen macroeconomic stability and boost investor confidence.
He added that his administration had prioritised infrastructure development in transportation, power, housing, irrigation and digital connectivity to drive industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.
“We are building concrete, durable roads and superhighways along the coast and on the Sokoto-Badagry route that will last for over 100 years,” Tinubu said.
While acknowledging the economic hardship and rising cost of living faced by many Nigerians, the president assured citizens that his government remained focused on delivering long-term solutions.
On security, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring peace across the country and called on the National Assembly to expedite constitutional amendments for the creation of state police.
“We also expect the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow the creation of State police as a matter of national emergency,” he said.
He pledged that his administration would continue pursuing industrialisation, energy security, food sufficiency, infrastructure expansion and democratic consolidation.
“Our mission remains clear: to build a Nigeria where every life is secure, where enterprise thrives, and where young people find opportunity,” Tinubu stated.
The president also promised a more inclusive government that would continue to serve Nigerians with sincerity, commitment and renewed determination.